Why New Testament History & Theology is Important

Today in class I learned one of those little jewels of information.

Jesus was born in 6 B.C.  

How could he do that, I wondered?  My friend Hayden said it’s because he is God.  

My professor said that the theologians did the math wrong.  King Herod at the time only ruled until 4 B.C., so if Jesus was born in 0 B.C., then Herod would have already been dead and the order to kill all of the boys would never have happened, Joseph and the fam never would have had to flee to Egypt, etc.  I didn’t really want to know all of that.  Jesus being born in 6 B.C. is funny all on it’s own.

Last Chance Harvey

I saw this movie with Karen yesterday, and it was wonderful.  It showed a desire for companionship and relationship.  It portrays the risk and fear that is involved with starting a new relationship or with trying to reconcile a past one.  There’s wit, charm, and redemption, all things I like in a good movie.

My favorite line is said by Emma Thompson’s character and is something to the effect of I think I’m more comfortable feeling disappointed, and I guess I’m mad at you for taking that away.

The movie is well written and Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman do their usual best.  Go see it!

Things I don’t relate to

I am sitting in a class on Job this week.  Yesterday we discussed Job’s anguish in losing his children, etc.  One thing he asks,

“Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese?” (10:10)

I can’t say I’ve ever felt exactly like this.

5 days ’til B-day

 In just 5 short days the beer I brewed with my Dad will be ready.  It really is the  the gift that keeps on giving, at least 47 times.  Cheers!

Worshipful Anger

Apparently I’m angry with God.  I say apparently, because it makes me uncomfortable to straightforwardly and honestly state that I am really pissed at God.  I keep my anger at a low simmer, because if I let it loose I think it might scare the hell out of me.  My counselor asked if I thought it was possible to rage against God in worship.  This question makes me uncomfortable, because I think it just might be possible.  It might be the most worshipful thing I could do right now.  I welcome as well as implore you for your thoughts.

I put this post in the hopeful thoughts category, because I think it’s exactly where it belongs.  Think about that for a moment.

A delightful, laugh-out-loud post

I was reading Margie Haack’s post today and was cheered!  Give it a read and be cheered too!

http://toadsdrinkcoffee.blogspot.com/2009/01/buried-not-dead.html

Anyone need a babysitter?

 

Owen loves to come over to my apartment, because I’ve got all of the cool toys!

Lazy Saturday Afternoons

This last Saturday I roasted my first turkey, because I had the time!  I seasoned it with lemon-pepper, salt, and butter.  Out of the oven came 12 pounds of goodness.  Snaps to Karen for helping me with planning and carving.

   

New Year’s Resolution

cyn⋅i⋅cal

–adjective

1.	like or characteristic of a cynic; distrusting or disparaging the motives of others.

2.	showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one’s actions, esp. by actions that exploit the scruples of others.

3.	bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.

For too many years I have prided myself on being cynical and sarcastic.  Granted, there is much humor to be found in a well-stated cynical comment, but the problem lies in the darkness of my heart.  I believe a little too much in the cynical comment.  It’s a means of protection against disappointment.  It disregards hope.  This year I resolve to choose to trust the motives of others unless given reason not to.  I resolve to face my issues of contempt, for self and others.  I resolve to forge my identity in the cross and not in the sharpness of my tongue.  One of my professors paraphrased Jerram Barrs as saying that there is no place in the Christian heart for cynicism, because we have One whom we look to whose motives and actions can be completely trusted and enable us to believe that it won’t always be this way (my paraphrase of his paraphrase).  Here’s to it not always being this way!

Home

I think it was sometime in September when one of my professors asked me where home was.  He clarified by explaining that home doesn’t necessarily have to be where I grew up or where my parents live, but rather, he wanted to know the place that felt like home to me.  In my head, that place was Lincoln, NE.  However, after spending the past 6 days in Norfolk, I’ve changed my definition of home, from being a place to being an experience or emotion.  Home is where I exhale.  It’s where I no longer have to try, but can simply be.  Home is Lazlo’s with the Seebohms.  Home is the couch at Renae and Jason’s.  Home is the Taylor house in Norfolk, when it is brimming with friends.  Home is waking up in my bed in Norfolk, the getting  up to eat the very familiar waffles I grew up with.  Home is the anticipation of seeing Kate and Joie in a few days.  Home is where I don’t doubt myself or my friends affection for me.  It’s so good to be home.